Traffic information presentation system, traffic information presentation method, and electronic device

ABSTRACT

A traffic information presentation system according to an embodiment is a system for presenting a tactile sensation to a user based on traffic information, including: a touch section; a tactile presentation section; an input section for receiving traffic information; and a control section for controlling the tactile presentation section based on the traffic information. The control section monitors a status of touch with respect to the touch section, and accepts an instruction from the user that corresponds to the touch input operation when detecting that an amount of change in touched position equals to or exceeds a certain amount. When detecting that the amount of change in touched position is less than the certain amount and that the touch duration equals to or exceeds a certain length, the control section causes the tactile presentation section to present a tactile sensation based on the traffic information.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a system, a method, and an electronicdevice for providing tactile sensations to a user.

2. Description of the Related Art

Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2005-335629 discloses acontrol device for use in a vehicle, which presents a user in thevehicle with an appropriate vibration in accordance with the drivingsituation. This control device for use in a vehicle includes a controlsection which determines whether the user is concentrated on the drivingof the vehicle based on the manner in which the vehicle is being driven.As a result, an appropriate vibration which is in accordance with thedriving situation can be presented to the user in the vehicle.

The present disclosure provides a system, method, and electronic devicefor appropriately distinguishing whether the status of touch by a useris a state of awaiting information to be presented through tactilesensation or a state of performing a touch input operation.

SUMMARY

A traffic information presentation system according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure is a traffic information presentation system forpresenting a tactile sensation to a user based on traffic information,comprising: a touch section to be touched by the user; a tactilepresentation section for presenting a tactile sensation to the user; aninput section for receiving traffic information; and a control sectionfor controlling the tactile presentation section based on the receivedtraffic information, wherein, the control section monitors a status oftouch with respect to the touch section, accepts an instruction from theuser corresponding to a touch input operation when detecting that anamount of change in touched position equals to or exceeds a certainamount, and causes the tactile presentation section to present a tactilesensation based on the traffic information when detecting that theamount of change in touched position is less than the certain amount andthat a touch duration equals to or exceeds a certain length.

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure is an electronic device for use in a traffic informationpresentation system for presenting a tactile sensation to a user basedon traffic information, comprising: a touch section to be touched by theuser; a tactile presentation section for presenting a tactile sensationto the user; an input section for receiving traffic information; and acontrol section for controlling the tactile presentation section basedon the received traffic information, wherein, the control sectionmonitors a status of touch with respect to the touch section, accepts aninstruction from the user corresponding to a touch input operation whendetecting that an amount of change in touched position equals to orexceeds a certain amount, and causes the tactile presentation section topresent a tactile sensation based on the traffic information whendetecting that the amount of change in touched position is less than thecertain amount and that a touch duration equals to or exceeds a certainlength.

A method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is amethod of presenting a tactile sensation to a user based on trafficinformation, comprising the steps of: receiving traffic information;monitoring a status of touch with respect to a touch section to betouched by the user; accepting an instruction from the usercorresponding to a touch input operation when detecting that an amountof change in touched position equals to or exceeds a certain amount; andpresenting a tactile sensation based on the traffic information whendetecting that the amount of change in touched position is less than thecertain amount and that a touch duration equals to or exceeds a certainlength.

A computer program according to an embodiment of the present disclosureis a computer program for causing an electronic device to execute aprocess of presenting a tactile sensation to a user based on trafficinformation, the computer program causing a computer in the electronicdevice to execute steps comprising: receiving traffic information;monitoring a status of touch with respect to a touch section to betouched by the user; accepting an instruction from the usercorresponding to a touch input operation when detecting that an amountof change in touched position equals to or exceeds a certain amount; andpresenting a tactile sensation based on the traffic information whendetecting that the amount of change in touched position is less than thecertain amount and that a touch duration equals to or exceeds a certainlength.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible toappropriately distinguish whether a status of touch by a user is a stateof awaiting information to be presented through tactile sensation or astate of performing a touch input operation.

These general and specific aspects may be implemented using a system, amethod, and a computer program, and any combination of systems, methods,and computer programs.

Additional benefits and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will beapparent from the specification and Figures. The benefits and/oradvantages may be individually provided by the various embodiments andfeatures of the specification and drawings disclosure, and need not allbe provided in order to obtain one or more of the same.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration showing the appearance of a touchinput device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration showing the construction of a tactilepresentation system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic construction of atouch input device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4A is a schematic illustration showing a road situation duringtravel of an automobile according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4B is a schematic illustration showing an example method ofpresenting information to a user through tactile sensation according toan embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a user performing a flickaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a user performing a pinchaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing by a touch input deviceaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing by a touch input deviceaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration showing the construction of a tactilepresentation system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration showing the construction of atactile presentation system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration showing an exemplary tactilepresentation according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, with adequate reference to the drawings, embodiments willbe described in detail. However, unnecessary details may be omitted fromdescription. For example, matters that are well known may not bedescribed in detail, and substantially identical component elements maynot be redundantly described. This is to avoid lengthiness of thefollowing description, and to facilitate understanding by those skilledin the art.

The attached drawings and the following description are provided by theinventors to allow those skilled in the art to sufficiently understandthe present disclosure, without the intention of limiting the subjectmatter that is recited in the claims.

Embodiment 1 [1. Outline]

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration showing the appearance of a touchinput device 100 which is placed in an automobile. The touch inputdevice 100 is an instance of an electronic device which presents tactilesensations to a user.

In this example, the touch input device 100 is placed at a so-calledcenter console section, which is in between the driver's seat and thepassenger seat.

By using the touch input device 100, the user 1 is able to operate anexternal onboard device, e.g., a car navigation system 200, a car audiosystem, or an air conditioner.

The car navigation system 200 is placed in the automobile. The touchinput device 100 is connected to the car navigation system 200 so as topermit wired or wireless communications. The touch input device 100accepts touch operations made with the fingers of the user 1. Thus, byusing the touch input device 100, the user is able to operate the carnavigation system 200 so as to provide navigation assistance to adestination.

Hereinafter, the touch input device 100 as such will be described indetail.

[2. Construction]

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the construction of a tactilepresentation system 10 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is across-sectional view showing a schematic construction of the touch inputdevice 100.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tactile presentation system 10 of the presentembodiment includes the touch input device 100 and the car navigationsystem 200. Herein, as an example of the tactile presentation system 10,a traffic information presentation system which presents tactilesensation to a user based upon traffic information will be illustrated.

The touch input device 100 is an instance of an electronic device. Thecar navigation system 200 is an instance of an external device which iscapable of communicating information with the touch input device 100being connected thereto. By communicating with a GPS satellite 300, thecar navigation system 200 is able to know the location of theautomobile.

As shown in FIG. 2, the touch input device 100 includes a controlsection 110, a touch pad 120, a piezoelectric element 130, a timer 140,a first input section 150, and a first output section 160.

The touch pad 120 includes a sensor which detects contact on the touchpad 120 made by the user with a means of manipulation such as a fingeror a touch pen, thus being able to detect coordinates of a point ofcontact on the touch pad 120. The sensor included in the touch pad 120is a capacitance-type sensor, for example. Other than thecapacitance-type, any known method, e.g., pressure-sensing, optical, orsurface acoustic wave, may be adopted as the method of detecting usercontact. Moreover, the touch pad 10 is capable of simultaneouslydetecting plural points of contact.

The touch pad 120 is controlled by the control section 110. Via thefirst output section 160, the control section 110 sends to the carnavigation system 200 the information of a touch by the user as detectedby the touch pad 120. The touch information which has been sent to thecar navigation system 200 is sent to a control section 210 of the carnavigation system 200 via a second input section 250. The controlsection 210 of the car navigation system 200 is able to execute variousprocesses based on this touch information.

Based on the information concerning a touch operation received from thetouch pad 120 or information other than touch operations, the controlsection 110 is able to vibrate the piezoelectric element 130. An exampleof information other than touch operations may be information that isreceived from the car navigation system 200. Via the touch pad 120, theuser is able to feel a vibration which is adapted to the informationfrom a touch operation or the car navigation system 200.

The traffic information for the control section 110 to receive from thecar navigation system 200 may be, for example, information concerningthe surrounding environment of the automobile during travel, informationconcerning lanes during travel, information concerning trafficcongestion, information concerning road gradient, information concerningtraffic regulations, and information concerning road width.

The timer 140 keeps point-of-time information. Based on thepoint-of-time information of the timer 140, the control section 110measures an amount of time for which the user is touching the touch pad120. The control section 110 controls the piezoelectric element 130 inaccordance with the measured time, the details of which will bedescribed later.

The first input section 150 and the first output section 160 are capableof communicating information with an external device being connectedthereto. Specifically, the first input section 150 and the first outputsection 160 are connected wiredly (via cables) or wirelessly, etc. withthe second input section 250 and the second output section 260 of thecar navigation system 200 to provide a path for information exchange.

The car navigation system 200 includes: the control section 210; adisplay section 220 which displays a map image or an operation screen; areceiver 230 which is capable of communication with the GPS satellite300; a recording section 240 in which map information, various programs,and the like are stored; the second input section 250; and the secondoutput section 260.

The display section 220 displays a map together with the location of theautomobile, buttons with which to operate the car navigation system 200,and so on.

Through communication with the GPS satellite 300, the receiver 230transmits the location information of the automobile in which the carnavigation system 200 is mounted to the control section 210 of the carnavigation system.

The recording section 240 stores map information, various programs, andthe like. In accordance with an instruction from the control section210, the recording section 240 sends the map information and the like tothe control section 210.

Based on the location information sent from the receiver 230 and the mapinformation sent from the recording section 240, the control section 210controls the display information to be displayed on the display section220.

Moreover, the control section 210 can send traffic information such asmap information and location information to the touch input device 100via the second output section 260.

As shown in FIG. 3, the touch pad 120 is fixed to the vehicle body 50via spacers 170. The touch pad 120, which is disposed in a place whereit can be touched by the user 1, is composed of a material having acertain level of rigidity, e.g., resin, glass, metal, or a compositematerial thereof. The spacers 170 are composed of a material having acertain level of mechanical strength and elasticity, e.g., resin, metal,rubber, gel, or a composite material thereof, and thus has a rigidityfor being able to support the touch pad 120.

The method of fixing the touch pad 120, the vehicle body 50, and thespacers 170 to one another may be fastening with screws, adhesivebonding with an adhesive, attachment via a double-coated adhesive tape,or other methods that provide a certain level of mechanical strength.Alternatively, the spacers 170, the touch pad 120, and the vehicle body50 may be formed integrally.

Note that the touch pad 120 does not need to be placed between thedriver's seat and the passenger seat. For example, the touch pad 120 maybe placed on the dashboard, on the screen of the car navigation system200, or on the steering wheel.

The piezoelectric element 130 is fixed on the rear face of the touch pad120. For example, a plurality of piezoelectric elements 130 may be fixedon the rear face of the touch pad 120. The operation of thepiezoelectric element 130 is controlled by the control section 110. Thepiezoelectric element 130 vibrates the touch pad 120 based on a drivingsignal which is sent from the control section 110, thereby presenting atactile sensation to the user 1.

[3. Operation]

Next, the operation of the touch input device 100 will be described withreference to FIGS. 4A to FIG. 6.

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are schematic illustrations of a specific exemplaryoperation of the touch input device 100 of the present embodiment. FIG.4A shows a road situation during travel of the automobile 11. Theautomobile 11 is traveling along a road which has three lanes perdirection: the left lane being a left-turn lane; the middle lane being ago-straight lane; and the right lane being a right-turn lane. Theautomobile 11 is now traveling in a go-straight lane.

FIG. 4B shows an example method of presenting information to the userthrough tactile sensation. When the user touches the touch pad 120 withthree fingers, a finger K is mapped to the left-turn lane; a finger L ismapped to the go-straight lane; and a finger M is mapped to theright-turn lane, according to the X coordinate of the point of contactof each of these fingers.

Based on a destination which is designated by the user, the congestioninformation for the road, and so on, the car navigation system 200determines a lane to recommend to the user. If the recommended lane isthe right-turn lane, as shown in FIG. 4B, a tactile sensation ispresented only to the finger M, which is associated with the right-turnlane. Since a tactile sensation is presented only to the finger M, theuser knows that it is recommended to go in the right-turn lane. As themethod of vibrating an arbitrary position on the touch pad 120, forexample, a method of adjusting the vibration of the vibration source bytaking into account the transfer function of vibration, a method ofadjusting the positions of antinodes and nodes of vibration, or the likemay be used.

Thus, by touching the touch pad 120, the user is able to receive apresentation of information which is sent from the car navigation system200, through vibration of the touch pad 120. Although this exampleillustrates that the user touches the touch pad 120 with three fingers,the number of touching fingers may be greater than three, or two orless.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are schematic illustrations of exemplary touch inputoperations, i.e., operations by which the user sends instructions to thedevice.

FIG. 5 illustrates a user performing a flick. A flick is an operation inwhich the user moves a finger in one direction while the fingermaintains contact with the touch pad 120. When the user moves a fingerin one direction while the finger maintains contact with the touch pad120, the displayed image is changed in accordance with the direction ofmovement. For example, a right move of the finger on the touch pads maycause a page-forward action, and a left move may cause a page-backaction.

FIG. 6 illustrates a pinch being performed. A pinch is an operationwhere two fingers are moved closer together or apart from each otherwhile the two fingers maintain contact with the touch pad. As the usermoves the two fingers while keeping the two fingers in contact with thetouch pad, the displayed image is changed in accordance with theoperation. For example, if the two fingers are moved apart from eachother, the image may be displayed with an increased magnification, andif the two fingers are moved closer together, the image may be displayedwith a reduced magnification.

In order to facilitate understanding of a flick and a pinch, FIG. 5 andFIG. 6 illustrate a touch pad 120 having a display section. Although thetouch pad 120 may thus have a display section, the touch pad 120 mayactually lack a display section, in which case the image may bedisplayed on the display section 220 of the car navigation system 200.

Thus, the user can operate the car navigation system 200 by touching thetouch pad 120.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing by the touch input device 100.

The touch input device 100 is used in such a manner that the user keepstouching the touch pad 120 regardless of whether awaiting a presentationof information from the touch pad 120 through tactile sensation as shownin FIG. 4B (which may be referred to as a response operation) orperforming a touch input operation as shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6.Therefore, it is necessary to appropriately distinguish whether theuser's touch on the touch pad 120 constitutes a state of awaitinginformation to be presented through tactile sensation or a state ofperforming a touch input operation. By performing the processing shownin FIG. 7, the touch input device 100 of the present embodimentappropriately makes this distinction.

First, the control section 110 performs a touch detection as to whetherthe user is touching the touch pad 120 or not (step S1). If the user istouching the touch pad 120 (Yes from step S1), this contact informationis sent to the control section 110. From the timer 140, the controlsection 110 receives point-of-time information concerning the point oftime of detecting contact on the touch pad 120. Then, the controlsection 110 starts recording the touch duration (step S2). On the otherhand, if contact on the touch pad 120 is not detected (No from step S1),the control section 110 keeps monitoring presence or absence of contact.

Next, the control section 110 determines whether the user's finger hasmoved on the touch pad by at least a certain amount or not (i.e.,whether the amount of change in touched position has at least reached acertain amount or not) (step S3). If the user's finger has moved on thetouch pad by at least the certain amount (Yes from step S3), the controlsection 110 determines that the user's operation is a touch inputoperation, and accepts an instruction from the user that corresponds tothe touch input operation (step S4). For example, based on the user'sinstruction in the form of a flick or pinch as illustrated in FIG. 5 andFIG. 6, a process of changing the displayed content or the like isperformed.

Thereafter, the control section 110 performs a touch detection as towhether the user is touching the touch pad 120 or not (step S5). If usercontact is detected (Yes from step S5), the control section 110determines that the touch input operation by the user is continuing, andaccepts an instruction from the user that corresponds to the touch inputoperation (step S4). If user contact is not detected (No from step S5),the control section 110 determines that the touch input operation by theuser is finished, and ends the process.

At step S3, if the user's finger has not moved on the touch pad 120 byat least the certain amount (No from step S3), the control section 110determines whether the amount of time for which the user has maintainedcontact has exceeded a certain length (e.g. 0.5 seconds to 1 second) ornot (step S6). If the amount of time for which the user has maintainedcontact has exceeded the certain length (Yes from step S6), the controlsection 110 determines that the user is awaiting a presentation ofinformation from the touch pad 120 through tactile sensation. Then, thecontrol section 110 drives the piezoelectric element 130 to presentinformation which is in accordance with the user's request, throughtactile sensation (vibration) (step S7). Thereafter, the control section110 performs a touch detection as to whether the user is touching thetouch pad 120 or not (step S8). If user contact is detected (Yes fromstep S8), the control section 110 determines that the user is still in astate of awaiting a tactile sensation to be presented, and thus presentsa tactile sensation (step S7). If user contact is not detected (No fromstep S8), the control section 110 determines that the user is no longerin a state of awaiting a tactile sensation to be presented, and ends theprocess without performing a process of accepting an instruction fromthe user.

At step S6, if the amount of time for which the user has maintainedcontact is less than the certain length (No from step S6), the controlsection 110 performs a touch detection as to whether the user istouching the touch pad 120 or not (step S9). If user contact is detected(Yes from step S9), the control section 110 returns to the process ofstep S3 to determine whether the user's finger has moved by at least thecertain amount or not (step S3). If user contact is not detected (Nofrom step S9), the control section 110 determines that the user'soperation is a tap operation, and accepts an instruction from the userthat corresponds to the touch input operation (step S10), performs anoperation based on the user's instruction, and ends the process.

By performing such processing, the touch input device 100 is able toappropriately distinguish whether the user's touch on the touch pad 120constitutes a state of awaiting a tactile presentation or a state ofperforming a touch input operation. Therefore, through such processing,malfunctioning of the touch input device 100 is prevented. For example,while the user is touching the touch pad 120 to await a tactilepresentation, the touch input device 100 is prevented from wronglyrecognizing this contact as a touch input operation. Moreover, while theuser is touching the touch pad 120 to perform a touch input operation,the touch input device 100 is prevented from presenting a tactilesensation.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the process is ended if user contact isnot detected at step S8; however, if a touch input operation is madeafter a tactile sensation is presented, a process corresponding to thetouch input operation may be executed. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing anexample of such processing. In FIG. 8, processes other than steps S8,S11, and S12 are identical to the processes shown in FIG. 7, and thedescriptions thereof are omitted.

In the processing shown in FIG. 8, after user contact ceases to bedetected at step S8, the control section 110 keeps monitoring thepresence or absence of a touch input operation by the user for a certainlength of time (step S11). As the method of touch input operationdetection, for example, the method of touch input operation detectionwhich has been described with reference to FIG. 7 may be performed.

If no touch input operation is detected (No from step S11), the processis ended. If a touch input operation is detected (Yes from step S11), aninstruction from the user that corresponds to the touch input operationis accepted (step S12), and an operation based on the user's instructionis executed, whereby the process is ended. For example, after a tactilesensation is presented to the finger M being associated with theright-turn lane as shown in FIG. 4B, if the user performs a tapoperation, the control section 110 may determine that the user hasacknowledged a move into the right-turn lane, and cooperate with otherdevices in the automobile 11 to perform a process of activating blinkersfor a change of lanes. If the automobile 11 is conducting autonomousdriving, a process of moving the automobile 11 into the right-turn lanemay be performed.

[4. Effects and the Like] [4-1. Tactile Presentation Method]

Thus, the tactile presentation method according to the presentembodiment is a method of presenting a tactile sensation based onreceived information to a user, in which the following processes areencompassed. Specifically, information other than information concerninga touch operation (e.g. traffic information) is received. A touchoperation is monitored (step S1). If the amount of change in touchedposition is at least a certain amount (Yes from step S3), it isdetermined that the status of touch is a touch input operation, and atouch input operation is accepted (step S4). If the amount of change inthe position touched by the user is less than the certain amount (Nofrom step S3) and the touch duration is equal to or greater than acertain length (Yes from step S6), a tactile sensation based on thereceived information is presented (step S7).

Through such processing, it is possible to appropriately distinguishwhether the user's touch on the touch pad 120 constitutes a state ofawaiting a tactile presentation or a state of performing a touch inputoperation. This provides an improved usability for the user.

In this tactile presentation method, if the touch duration is less thanthe certain length (No from step S6 and S9), it is determined that thestatus of touch is a tap operation, and a touch input operation isaccepted (step S10).

Such processing realizes an appropriate distinction which also takes atap operation into consideration. This provides a further improvedusability for the user.

In this tactile presentation method, after a tactile sensation ispresented (step S7), if the touching state continues (Yes from step S8),a tactile sensation is again presented based on the received information(step S7).

Through these processes, while the user is touching the touch pad 120, atactile sensation can keep being presented based on the receivedinformation. This allows the user to more accurately recognize theinformation.

In this tactile presentation method, received information may be, forexample, traffic information which is transmitted from the carnavigation system 200 (which is an instance of an external device). Thisallows the user to properly recognize the traffic information which istransmitted from the car navigation system 200.

[4-2. Tactile Presentation System]

The tactile presentation system 10 according to the present embodimentis a system for presenting a tactile sensation to the user, includingthe following construction. Specifically, the tactile presentationsystem 10 includes a touch pad 120 (which is an instance of a touchsection), a piezoelectric element 130 (which is an instance of a tactilepresentation section), and a control section 110.

The touch pad 120 accepts a touch operation by the user.

The piezoelectric element 130 presents a tactile sensation throughvibration to the user.

The control section 110 receives information other than touchinformation (e.g. traffic information), and controls vibration of thepiezoelectric element 130 based on the received information.

Then, the control section 110 performs the following process.Specifically, a touch operation is monitored (step S1). If the amount ofchange in touched position is at least a certain amount (Yes from stepS3), it is determined that the status of touch is a touch inputoperation, and a touch input operation is accepted (step S4). If theamount of change in the position touched by the user is less than thecertain amount (No from step S3) and the touch duration is equal to orgreater than a certain length (Yes from step S6), a tactile sensation ispresented based on the received information (step S7).

This makes it possible to appropriately distinguish whether the user'stouch on the touch pad 120 constitutes a state of awaiting a tactilepresentation or a state of performing a touch input operation. Thisprovides an improved usability for the user.

If the touch duration is less than the certain length (No from step S6and S9), the control section 110 determines that the status of touch isa tap input, and accepts a touch input operation (step S10).

This realizes an appropriate distinction which also takes a tap inputinto consideration, thus providing a further improved usability for theuser.

Moreover, after a tactile sensation is presented (step S7), if thetouching state continues (Yes from step S8), the tactile presentationsystem 10 again presents a tactile sensation based on the receivedinformation (step S7).

Thus, while the user is touching the touch pad 120, a tactile sensationcan keep being presented based on the received information. This allowsthe user to more accurately recognize the information.

Moreover, the tactile presentation system 10 further includes a firstinput section 150 and a first output section 160 which are capable ofcommunicating information with the car navigation system 200 (externaldevice) being connected thereto. The first input section 150 receivesinformation which is transmitted from the connected car navigationsystem 200, and sends this received information to the control section110. Based on the information which has been sent from the first inputsection 150, the control section 110 controls vibration of thepiezoelectric element 130. This allows the user to properly recognizethe information which is transmitted from the car navigation system 200.

[4-3. Electronic Device]

The touch input device 100 (which is an instance of an electronicdevice) according to the present embodiment is a device for presenting atactile sensation to the user, including the following construction.Specifically, the touch input device 100 includes a touch pad 120 (whichis an instance of a touch section), a piezoelectric element 130 (whichis an instance of a tactile presentation section), and a control section110.

The touch pad 120 accepts a touch operation by the user.

The piezoelectric element 130 presents a tactile sensation throughvibration to the user.

The control section 110 receives information other than touchinformation (e.g. traffic information), and controls vibration of thepiezoelectric element 130 based on the received information.

Then, the control section 110 performs the following process.Specifically, a touch operation is monitored (step S1). If the amount ofchange in touched position is at least a certain amount (Yes from stepS3), it is determined that the status of touch is a touch inputoperation, and a touch input operation is accepted (step S4). If theamount of change in the position touched by the user is less than thecertain amount (No from step S3) and the touch duration is equal to orgreater than a certain length (Yes from step S6), a tactile sensation ispresented based on the received information (step S7).

This makes it possible to appropriately distinguish whether the user'stouch on the touch pad 120 constitutes a state of awaiting a tactilepresentation or a state of performing a touch input operation. Thisprovides an improved usability for the user.

If the touch duration is less than the certain length (No from step S6and S9), the control section 110 determines that the status of touch isa tap input, and accepts a touch input operation (step S10).

This realizes an appropriate distinction which also takes a tap inputinto consideration, thus providing a further improved usability for theuser.

Moreover, after a tactile sensation is presented (step S7), if thetouching state continues (Yes from step S8), the touch input device 100again presents a tactile sensation based on the received information(step S7).

Thus, while the user is touching the touch pad 120, a tactile sensationcan keep being presented based on the received information. This allowsthe user to more accurately recognize the information.

Moreover, the touch input device 100 further includes a first inputsection 150 and a first output section 160 which are capable ofcommunicating information with the car navigation system 200 (externaldevice) being connected thereto. The first input section 150 receivesinformation which is transmitted from the connected car navigationsystem 200, and sends this received information to the control section110. This allows the user to properly recognize the information which istransmitted from the car navigation system 200.

Embodiment 2

Next, with reference to FIG. 9, Embodiment 2 will be described. InEmbodiment 1, the control section 110 of the touch input device 100distinguishes between a state of awaiting a tactile presentation and astate of performing a touch input operation. Embodiment 2 differs fromEmbodiment 1 in that this process is performed by the control section ofthe car navigation system server. Hereinafter, members which areidentical in function and construction to those of Embodiment 1 will bedenoted by reference numerals similar to those used in Embodiment 1, andrecurring descriptions may be omitted.

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration showing the construction of a tactilepresentation system 20 according to the present embodiment. As shown inFIG. 9, the tactile presentation system 20 includes a touch input device400, a car navigation system 500, and a server 600. The touch inputdevice 400 is capable of communicating information with the server 600via wireless communications. The car navigation system 500 is capable ofcommunicating information with the server 600 via wirelesscommunications.

The touch input device 400 includes a touch pad 120, a piezoelectricelement 130, a timer 140, a first input section 150, a first outputsection 160, a first communication section 420, and a control section410 which controls them. The first communication section 420 isconnected to a third communication section 630 of the server 600 viawireless communications. The control section 410 transmits informationconcerning a touch operation, which is detected by the touch pad 120, tothe server 600 from the first communication section 420.

The car navigation system 500 includes a display section 220, a receiver230, a recording section 240, a second input section 250, a secondoutput section 260, a control section 510, and a second communicationsection 520. The second communication section 520 is connected to thethird communication section 630 of the server 600 via wirelesscommunications. The control section 510 transmits location informationof the automobile from the second communication section 520 to theserver 600.

The server 600 includes a control section 610, a recording section 620in which various information and programs are stored, and the thirdcommunication section 630. The third communication section 630 receivesinformation which is transmitted from the first communication section420, and sends it to the control section 610. Moreover, the thirdcommunication section 630 receives information which is transmitted fromthe second communication section 520, and sends it to the controlsection 610.

In the present embodiment, the processing shown by the flowchart of FIG.7 is performed by the control section 610. Then, based on an instructionfrom the control section 610, the control section 410 of the touch inputdevice and the control section 510 of the car navigation system controlsthe operations of the respective component elements. For example, thecontrol section 610 monitors the status of touch by the user withrespect to the touch pad 120, and based on the result of monitoring, thecontrol section 410 controls vibration of the piezoelectric element 130.

Thus, in accordance with the tactile presentation system 20 of thepresent embodiment, the processing which is performed by the controlsection 110 shown in FIG. 2 is allocated to a plurality of controlsections. Note that the control section 610 of the server 600 mayperform the further task of controlling vibration of the piezoelectricelement 130. With such construction, the tactile presentation system 20is able to appropriately determine whether the status of touch by theuser is a state of awaiting a tactile presentation or a state ofperforming a touch input operation.

Embodiment 3

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 10, Embodiment 3 will be described.In Embodiments 1 and 2, a tactile sensation is presented based oninformation which is transmitted from a car navigation system.Embodiment 3 differs from Embodiments 1 and 2 in that a tactilesensation is presented based on information which is transmitted from anonboard camera system 700. Hereinafter, members which are identical infunction and construction to those of Embodiments 1 and 2 will bedenoted by reference numerals similar to those used in Embodiment 1, andrecurring descriptions may be omitted.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration showing the construction of atactile presentation system 30. As shown in FIG. 10, the tactilepresentation system 30 includes a touch input device 100 and the onboardcamera system 700. The touch input device 100 is identical inconstruction to that of Embodiment 1, and the description thereof isomitted.

The onboard camera system 700 is a system which images the exterior ofthe automobile. The onboard camera system 700 includes an onboard cameracontrol section 710, cameras 720, a second input section 730, and asecond output section 740.

The plurality of cameras 720 are provided at positions where they canimage the surroundings of the automobile. The cameras 720 may bedisposed at, for example: a place at which blind areas on the left sideof the automobile can be imaged, a place at which blind areas on theright side of the automobile can be imaged, a place at which blind areasat the rear of the automobile can be imaged, and so on. The places todispose the cameras 720 may be arbitrary so long as these places formblind areas for the user.

The image information which is taken by each camera 720 is sent to theonboard camera control section 710. Based on the image information whichis taken with each camera 720, the onboard camera control section 710determines whether a person or an object exists at any position whichforms a blind area for the automobile. For example, if a person appearson the camera 720 for imaging the blind areas at the rear while noperson or object appears on the camera 720 for imaging the blind areason the left side or on the camera 720 for imaging the blind areas on theright side, then the onboard camera control section 710 sends theinformation that “the right and left are safe, but the rear isdangerous” to the touch input device 100. The touch input device 100presents a tactile sensation based on this information.

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration showing an exemplary tactilepresentation according to Embodiment 3. As shown in FIG. 11, when theuser touches the touch pad 120 with three fingers, a finger K is mappedto the left blind areas; a finger L is mapped to the rear blind areas;and a finger M is mapped to the right blind areas, according to the Xcoordinates of the point of contact of each finger. Then, as shown inFIG. 11, a tactile sensation is presented only to the finger L, which isassociated with the rear blind areas. Since the tactile sensation ispresented only to the finger L, the user recognizes that the rear of theautomobile is dangerous.

Similarly to Embodiment 1, the touch input device 100 of the presentembodiment can perform the processing shown in FIG. 7. Therefore, thetouch input device 100 is able to appropriately determine whether thestatus of touch by the user is a state of awaiting a tactilepresentation or a state of performing a touch input operation. Moreover,the tactile presentation system 30 of the present embodiment is able toappropriately determine whether the status of touch by the user is astate of awaiting a tactile presentation or a state of performing atouch input operation.

Other Embodiments

Thus, Embodiments 1 to 3 have been illustrated as examples of thetechnique disclosed in the present application. However, without beinglimited thereto, the technique of the present disclosure is applicablealso to embodiments resulting through any appropriate change,substitution, addition, omission, and the like. Moreover, the componentelements described in Embodiments 1 to 3 above may be combined to createnew embodiments.

Now, then, other embodiments will be illustrated.

In Embodiments 1 and 2, “information other than information concerning atouch operation” is exemplified by information concerning road lanes androad traffic congestion. In Embodiment 3, “information other thaninformation concerning a touch operation” is exemplified by informationof an image which is taken with an onboard camera. However, “informationother than information concerning a touch operation” is not limitedthereto. For example, in the case where a touch input device is used fora car navigation system, “information other than information concerninga touch operation” may be: information concerning the remaining amountof gasoline in the automobile, temperature in the automobile, wear ofthe tire, or the like; or setting information that is designated by theuser for the car navigation system 6, e.g., “expressways first” or“local roads first”.

Although Embodiment 1 illustrates an example construction in which thetouch input device 100 is connected to the car navigation system 200,but this not a limitation. For example, a construction in which thetouch input device 100 is included in the car navigation system 200 maybe adopted. Moreover, the touch input device 100 may be connected to orincluded in any device other than a car navigation system. In the casewhere the touch input device 100 is included in a smartphone,“information other than information concerning a touch operation” may beinformation concerning the remaining amount of the battery or receivedintensity of radiowaves, the orientation and tilt of the smartphone, orthe remaining capacity of the memory or HDD. In the case where the touchinput device 100 is included in a compact camera or a camera withinterchangeable lenses, “information other than information concerning atouch operation” may be lens-related information, e.g., the angle ofview or F number, or information such as the subject position. In thecase where the touch input device 100 is connected to a portablenavigation system, “information other than information concerning atouch operation” may be information concerning the presence or absenceof a stairway or steps, an escalator, or the like.

Although the above embodiments illustrate that a tactile sensation ispresented by generating vibration, the technique of the presentdisclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a tactile sensation maybe presented through a combination of vibration with other methods suchas electrostatic-based changes in friction, skin stimulation with anelectric current, or changes in screen shape introduced by a liquid.Moreover, not only a tactile sensation but also image-displaying, sound,light, heat, or the like may be combine as appropriate.

Note that the control operations according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure may be implemented in hardware or software. A computerprogram for executing such control operations may be stored in aninternal memory of a microcomputer or in a storage medium which isseparately provided in addition to a microcomputer. Alternatively, thecontrol section may store such a computer program. Moreover, such acomputer program may be installed to the electronic device from astorage medium (an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, etc.) in whichit is stored, or downloaded via telecommunication lines such as theInternet.

Although the above embodiments illustrate that contact with the user'sfinger(s) is detected, the technique of the present disclosure is notlimited thereto. For example, contact with a touch pen may be detected.

Moreover, the touch pad 10 may be transparent, and a display may beprovided on the rear face of the touch pad 10; that is, the touch pad 10may be a transparent touch panel. The touch pad 120 may not have aplanar shape; for example, the touch pad 120 may have a curved surface,or a spherical surface. Moreover, the touch pad 10 may be composed of aplurality of sheets.

Summary

As described above, a traffic information presentation system accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure is a traffic informationpresentation system 10 for presenting a tactile sensation to a userbased on traffic information, comprising: a touch section 120 to betouched by the user; a tactile presentation section 130 for presenting atactile sensation to the user; an input section 150 for receivingtraffic information; and a control section 110 for controlling thetactile presentation section 130 based on the received trafficinformation, wherein, the control section 110 monitors a status of touchwith respect to the touch section 120, accepts an instruction from theuser corresponding to a touch input operation when detecting that anamount of change in touched position equals to or exceeds a certainamount, and causes the tactile presentation section 130 to present atactile sensation based on the traffic information when detecting thatthe amount of change in touched position is less than the certain amountand that a touch duration equals to or exceeds a certain length.

For example, when the touch duration is less than the certain length,the control section 110 may accept an instruction from the usercorresponding to a touch input operation.

For example, when detecting that the touch on the touch section 120still continues after a tactile sensation is presented, the controlsection 110 may cause the tactile presentation section 130 to againpresent a tactile sensation based on the traffic information.

For example, when detecting a touch input operation after a tactilesensation is presented, the control section 110 may accept aninstruction from the user corresponding to a touch input operation.

For example, the input section 150 may receive the traffic informationfrom an external device.

For example, as the control section, the traffic informationpresentation system 20 may include a first control section 410 beingprovided in a first device 400 and a second control section 610 beingprovided in a second device 600 other than the first device 400, whereinthe first device 400 includes the touch section 120 and the tactilepresentation section 130; the first device 400 and the second device 600perform wireless communications; the second control section 610 monitorsa status of touch with respect to the touch section 120; and the firstcontrol section 410 controls the tactile presentation section 130 basedon a result of monitoring by the second control section 610.

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure is an electronic device 100 for use in a traffic informationpresentation system 10 for presenting a tactile sensation to a userbased on traffic information, comprising: a touch section 120 to betouched by the user; a tactile presentation section 130 for presenting atactile sensation to the user; an input section 150 for receivingtraffic information; and a control section 110 for controlling thetactile presentation section 130 based on the received trafficinformation, wherein, the control section 110 monitors a status of touchwith respect to the touch section 120, accepts an instruction from theuser corresponding to a touch input operation when detecting that anamount of change in touched position equals to or exceeds a certainamount, and causes the tactile presentation section 130 to present atactile sensation based on the traffic information when detecting thatthe amount of change in touched position is less than the certain amountand that a touch duration equals to or exceeds a certain length.

A method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is amethod of presenting a tactile sensation to a user based on trafficinformation, comprising the steps of: receiving traffic information;monitoring a status of touch with respect to a touch section 120 to betouched by the user; accepting an instruction from the usercorresponding to a touch input operation when detecting that an amountof change in touched position equals to or exceeds a certain amount; andpresenting a tactile sensation based on the traffic information whendetecting that the amount of change in touched position is less than thecertain amount and that a touch duration equals to or exceeds a certainlength.

A computer program according to an embodiment of the present disclosureis a computer program for causing an electronic device 100 to execute aprocess of presenting a tactile sensation to a user based on trafficinformation, the computer program causing a computer in the electronicdevice 100 to execute steps comprising: receiving traffic information;monitoring a status of touch with respect to a touch section 120 to betouched by the user; accepting an instruction from the usercorresponding to a touch input operation when detecting that an amountof change in touched position equals to or exceeds a certain amount; andpresenting a tactile sensation based on the traffic information whendetecting that the amount of change in touched position is less than thecertain amount and that a touch duration equals to or exceeds a certainlength.

The technique of the present disclosure is applicable to electronicdevices which are capable of presenting a tactile sensation to a user.For example, the technique of the present disclosure is applicable to acar navigation system, a digital still camera, a camcorder, a mobilephone with a camera function, a smartphone, a tablet PC, or the like.

Embodiments have been described above as an illustration of thetechnique of the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings and thedetailed description are provided for this purpose. Thus, elementsappearing in the accompanying drawings and the detailed descriptioninclude not only those that are essential to solving the technicalproblems set forth herein, but also those that are not essential tosolving the technical problems but are merely used to illustrate thetechnique disclosed herein. Therefore, those non-essential elementsshould not immediately be taken as being essential for the reason thatthey appear in the accompanying drawings and/or in the detaileddescription.

The embodiments above are for illustrating the technique disclosedherein, and various changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc.,can be made without departing from the scope defined by the claims andequivalents thereto.

This application is based on Japanese Patent Applications No.2013-092359 filed on Apr. 25, 2013 and No. 2014-075084 filed on Apr. 1,2014, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

What is claimed is:
 1. A traffic information presentation system forpresenting a tactile sensation to a user based on traffic information,comprising: a touch section to be touched by the user; a tactilepresentation section for presenting a tactile sensation to the user; aninput section for receiving traffic information; and a control sectionfor controlling the tactile presentation section based on the receivedtraffic information, wherein, the control section monitors a status oftouch with respect to the touch section, accepts an instruction from theuser corresponding to a touch input operation when detecting that anamount of change in touched position equals to or exceeds a certainamount, and causes the tactile presentation section to present a tactilesensation based on the traffic information when detecting that theamount of change in touched position is less than the certain amount andthat a touch duration equals to or exceeds a certain length.
 2. Thetraffic information presentation system of claim 1, wherein, when thetouch duration is less than the certain length, the control sectionaccepts an instruction from the user corresponding to a touch inputoperation.
 3. The traffic information presentation system of claim 1,wherein, when detecting that the touch on the touch section stillcontinues after a tactile sensation is presented, the control sectioncauses the tactile presentation section to again present a tactilesensation based on the traffic information.
 4. The traffic informationpresentation system of claim 1, wherein, when detecting a touch inputoperation after a tactile sensation is presented, the control sectionaccepts an instruction from the user corresponding to a touch inputoperation.
 5. The traffic information presentation system of claim 1,wherein the input section receives the traffic information from anexternal device.
 6. The traffic information presentation system of claim1, wherein, as the control section, the traffic information presentationsystem includes a first control section being provided in a first deviceand a second control section being provided in a second device otherthan the first device, wherein the first device includes the touchsection and the tactile presentation section; the first device and thesecond device perform wireless communications; the second controlsection monitors a status of touch with respect to the touch section;and the first control section controls the tactile presentation sectionbased on a result of monitoring by the second control section.
 7. Anelectronic device for use in a traffic information presentation systemfor presenting a tactile sensation to a user based on trafficinformation, comprising: a touch section to be touched by the user; atactile presentation section for presenting a tactile sensation to theuser; an input section for receiving traffic information; and a controlsection for controlling the tactile presentation section based on thereceived traffic information, wherein, the control section monitors astatus of touch with respect to the touch section, accepts aninstruction from the user corresponding to a touch input operation whendetecting that an amount of change in touched position equals to orexceeds a certain amount, and causes the tactile presentation section topresent a tactile sensation based on the traffic information whendetecting that the amount of change in touched position is less than thecertain amount and that a touch duration equals to or exceeds a certainlength.
 8. A method of presenting a tactile sensation to a user based ontraffic information, comprising the steps of: receiving trafficinformation; monitoring a status of touch with respect to a touchsection to be touched by the user; accepting an instruction from theuser corresponding to a touch input operation when detecting that anamount of change in touched position equals to or exceeds a certainamount; and presenting a tactile sensation based on the trafficinformation when detecting that the amount of change in touched positionis less than the certain amount and that a touch duration equals to orexceeds a certain length.